Ex-attorney Thomas White arraigned Sept. 6 on five felony charges

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor and
Diane Madigan
Independent Special Writer
Disbarred Belleville attorney Thomas A. White was arraigned at 34th District Court just after noon Friday, Sept. 6, on five felony charges for allegedly defrauding a local couple almost six years ago.
White could face 44 years in prison if convicted of all the charges.
Michigan State Police say the victims were the late Leland Jordan and his wife Judith Ann Jordan of Belleville. Leland Jordan died in 2008 at the age of 72.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office authorized the warrants against White on the afternoon of Sept. 4 and White’s criminal defense attorney Michael J. Vincent told police White would turn himself in to the court on Sept. 5. But he didn’t.
On Friday, Sept. 6, after having a mug shot taken and having his fingerprints recorded, White did come into the court just after noon to be arraigned by Judge David Parrott.
Attorney Vincent said his client had approved a 14-day waiver, so the preliminary exam doesn’t have to be held within that time period. Vincent said he also had filed a discovery order, but there was no prosecutor present to sign it. Judge Parrott allowed the discovery order anyway, saying it was a common practice.
This allows Vincent to ask the Michigan State Police for the evidence that will be used against his client.
The preliminary exam will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 34th District Court.
White was released following payment of $2,000 cash — 10% of the $20,000 bond set by Judge Parrott, who also ordered White to give up his passport.
The five charges are for uttering and publishing, larceny by conversion — $20,000 or more; embezzlement – agent or trustee $20,000 or more but less than $50,000; identity theft with intent to defraud Leland Jordan; and identity theft with intent to defraud Judith Ann Jordan.
MSP Det./Sgt. Marc Moore said more charges against White are expected.
The charges for which he was arraigned on Sept. 6 would have been dissolved by the statute of limitations on Sept. 14, Det./Sgt. Moore said.